After all these years!

[KissMyGrits]

This is not a Jack and Janet ff. Nor is it a Terri and Larry. It is a Jack & Terri FF. Sorry, I have run into writers block with the other stories I have been writing. Needed to work on something a little different.

Terri stood looking at her home. She had lived there for almost 15 years. She smiled as she watched her son playing outside in the yard. He looked so much like his father, it scared her sometimes. Her 18 year old daughter ran from inside the house. She was yelling something that Terri couldn't quite make out. She called to her and said "Brit, slow down and tell me what's wrong."

Brittany looked at her and pointed to her brother and said "He has been in my room again!!"

Terri smiled and called out to her son "Jamie!! Come here!"

Jamie ran over to where they were standing and said "What mom?"

"Were you in Brit's room again?"

Jamie smiled and said "Yep!"

Terri couldn't help laughing at her son's honesty. This did not go over well with her daughter. Brittany yelled "I'm glad you think it's so funny!! Wait until I tell daddy!! And my name is Brittany!! Not Brit!!"

With that she stomed into the house. Leaving Terri and Jamie outside. Once she was inside they both started laughing!!

Brittany was furious. She was tired of her mother and brother always ganging up on her. The two of them had always been close. She only saw her dad every other weekend. Why couldn't she have a normal family! Instead she was stuck with a twin brother that was just weird and a mom that worked all kinds of crazy hours!! Ugh!! Thank God she was leaving for college in a few weeks!!

Terri knew that she shouldn't have laughed at her daughter, but she couldn't help it. She looked so much like she had at that age. She had never been close with her daughter. Now that her children were going away to college in a few weeks, she was feeling lost. She had decided to take a cruise. It would be good to get away for a much needed vacation. Lord knows she hadn't had one in years!!

Two weeks later they were dropping off Brit and Jamie at UCLA. They were both excited about starting college. The kids were registering and she was walking around checking out the different buildings. Suddenly she heard a voice behind her. A very familiar voice. "Catherine, your going to be late! Come on!! Hurry up!!"

She smiled and turned around to see that it was who she thought it was. She ran over to him and said "Hi there Jack!!"

Jack turned around quickly and said "Terri!!" The two friends smiled at each other and hugged tightly!! Their kids were staring at them and finally Brittany asked "Uh mom!?"

Terri smiled and turned arount to look at her daughter and said "Yes?"

"Who is that man?"

Terri smiled brightly and said "This is a very old friend!!"

Her kids smiled and said "Okay!"

She smiled and said "Where are my manners! Jack this is my daughter Brittany and my son Jamie!"

Jack smiled and said "Nice to meet you!"

The kids merely looked at each other and smiled. Jack's daughter cleared her throat and said "Um, dad!?"

Jack smiled and said "This is my daughter Catherine!"

Catherine smiled and said "Hello! You can call me Cat!"

Jack rolled his eyes and said "Teens!"

Terri laughed and said "Where is your wife?"

Jack eyes clouded over and Catherine grew quiet. Jack shook his head and whispered to Terri. "We'll talk later."

Terri smiled and said "I'm looking forward to it."

They parted and Jack promised to call her later....

[Terri Cardellini]

AW....Terri WOOO I love your stories

[Number 9 Dream]

I know what you mean about writer's block It sucks! Anyway, I'm looking forward to your story. This will definitely be a unique perspective--- I like how you guys switched it up in Our Company too!

[Moonlight Lady]

Michelle, I really like this, Can't wait to read more.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri drove home alone. She couldn't believe how unbelieveably quiet it was. She had barely been alone for the past 18 years. Either Brit or Jamie had been home with her. Then there was the neverending parade of friends going in and out of the house. There was a time when she would have given anything for a peaceful moment like this. Now it was just lonely. She sat on the back porch and stared at the stars. She had taken up dancing a few years ago. She decided a trip to the local country bar was in order. She rushed upstairs to get ready. She was just heading out the door when the phone rang. She bit her lip and finally decided to answer it.

"Hello?"

"Terri?"

"Jack!! I didn't expect to hear from you so soon!!"

"Are you busy?"

She laughed and said "I was just heading out the door."

"Want some company?"

She smiled and tried to picture Jack at the bar. It wouldn't come no matter how hard she tried and she said "Well, it's a country bar!"

"Country?" She could hear the humor in his voice. She laughed and said "Yes. Your welcome to tag along!"

He drawled out his answer. "Oooookay!"

She laughed and gave him the address. She walked into the bar and said hello to some of the regulars. She laughed and ordered a beer. She was dressed in jeans and a t-shirt. She had to admit she looked damn good for being a mother of twin 18 year olds. She had just gotten her beer when the band started up one of her favorite songs. She smiled and decided that she needed a good dance.

Honky Tonk Badonkadonk- by Trace Adkins

Turn it up some
Alright boys, this is her favorite song
You know that right
So, if we play it good and loud
She might get up and dance again
Ooh, she put her beer down
Here she comes
Here she comes
Left left left right left
Whoo

Husslers shootin' eightball
Throwin' darts at the wall
Feelin' damn near 10 ft. tall
Here she comes, Lord help us all
Ol' T.W.'s girlfriend done slapped him outta his chair
Poor ole boy, it ain't his fault
It's so hard not to stare

At that honky tonk badonkadonk
Keepin' perfect rhythm
Make ya wanna swing along
Got it goin' on
Like Donkey Kong
And whoo-wee
Shut my mouth, slap your grandma
There outta be a law
Get the Sheriff on the phone
Lord have mercy, how's she even get them britches on
That honky tonk badonkadonk
(Aww son)

Now Honey, you can't blame her
For what her mama gave her
It ain't right to hate her
For workin' that money-maker
Band shuts down at two
But we're hangin' out till three
We hate to see her go
But love to watch her leave

With that honky tonk badonkadonk
Keepin' perfect rhythm
Make ya wanna swing along
Got it goin' on
Like Donkey Kong
And whoo-wee
Shut my mouth, slap your grandma
There outta be a law
Get the Sheriff on the phone
Lord have mercy, how's she even get them britches on
With that honky tonk badonkadonk
(Ooh, that's what I'm talkin' bout right there, honey)

We don't care bout the drinkin'
Barely listen to the band
Our hands, they start a shakin'
When she gets the urge to dance
Drivin' everybody crazy
You think you fell in love
Boys, you better keep your distance
You can look but you can't touch

That honkey tonk badonkadonk
Keepin' perfect rhythm
Make ya wanna swing along
Got it goin' on
Like Donkey Kong
And whoo-wee
Shut my mouth, slap your grandma
There outta be a law
Get the Sheriff on the phone
Lord have mercy, how's she even get them britches on
That honky tonk badonkadonk

That honky tonk badonkadonk
Yeah, that honky tonk badonkadonk

(That's it, right there boys, that's why we do what we do
It ain't for the money, it ain't for the glory, it ain't for the free whiskey
It's for the badonkadonk)

She was in the middle of dancing when Jack walked into the bar. She didn't see him walk into the bar. She was dancing and flirting with the guys in the bar. Jack stared at her for a few minutes. He had never seen her like this. She looked beautiful. He shook his head and reminded himself that they were just friends. When the song ended she went to sit down and was surrounded by men from the bar. She saw Jack and waved him over. She was out of breath and said "Jack! Over here!!"

He smiled and walked over to where she was sitting. He sat next to her and took her hand and said "So! Do you come here often?"

She laughed and said "Every now and then!! I glad you decided to come!!"

He smiled and said "I'm glad too! I enjoyed the show!!"

She blushed and said "Jack!!"

He chuckled and asked "Need a fresh beer?"

She nodded and he went to get them. When he got back Terri asked "So, what happened to your wife Jack?"

Jack sighed and said "It's a long story!"

She laughed and said "I have all night!"

He took a swig of his beer and started to Terri all about it....

[Moonlight Lady]

I can't wait to hear about his wife. This is very good

[KissMyGrits]

Jack looked at Terri at started at the beginning. He remembered everything as if it happened just yesterday. He started out slowly and said "Well Cat was 12 when it happened. It was so sudden and tragic that it is hard to talk about."

Terri looked at him and said "Jack, if you can't talk about it I understand.."

"No, it's okay Terri. It helps to talk about it."

"Well, if your sure..."

"Positive."

***Flashback***

As Jack had said, Cat had been 12 when her mom found out she was pregnant again. Jack and Bethany had been estatic! They had wanted another child for so long! Everything went wonderful until Bethany went into labor. She passed out and ended up having complications. She was able to deliver the baby, but it had taken alot out of her. She asked to speak with Jack.

Jack walked into the room smiling. He said "Our baby is beautiful! He looks just like you!"

Bethany responded weakly "Jack. Promise me something."

"Anything!"

"Promise me you will always tell our son how much I love him!"

"Bethany! You will be fine! Your just a little tired."

"It's more than that Jack. I feel the life draining out of me. I will always love you Jack!" She closed her eyes and Jack held her while she took her final breaths.

To make matters worse, the baby had only lived a few hours.
***Flashback Ends***

By the end Terri had tears in her eyes and was holding Jack's hand tightly. He smiled and said "The rest is history!"

Terri wiped the tears from her eyes and said softly "I'm so sorry Jack. I didn't realize...I didn't mean to pry.."

Jack waved her off and said "You didn't know. Besides it's nice to talk about her. Makes me remember the good times we had. So tell me about your life. I know you have kids because I met them. Any husband?"

Terri smiled and said "No! Let me tell you my story...."

[Moonlight Lady]

Poor Jack. I'm glad he reconnected with Terri.

[Mrs. John Ritter]

This is really good. Can't wait to read more.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri smiled as she told Jack about her ex.

"Well, I never got married exactly. We lived together for 3 years. Then the twins came. Everything just sort of fell apart after that. The kids took alot of the time I had for him."

Jack smiled and said "Kids tend to do that!"

"Yeah, they do. Anyway, he finally decided that he had enough. I was at work one day and came home only to find that he had packed all of his things and left. He said that he would send money. Like money can make up for a missing father. So for the last 16 years he has been a weekend daddy. Until this week I devoted my time to raising the twins and working! I am now the head of the Neo-Natal ICU at Wilshire Memorial."

"That's impressive. I bet your children are proud of you."

Terri smiled and said "Jamie is. In fact he wants to be a doctor. Brit on the other hand..."

Jack noticed her sad smile. He asked "What?"

"Well, sometimes I think Brit wishes that anyone else was her mom. We don't exactly get along."

"Fortunately I have it good. Catherine loves me. Faults and all. I now own three restaurants in Santa Monica and the surrounding areas."

"Congratulations!! I know that was a dream of yours. Do you ever get lonely? I mean I know how you used to be?"

Jack smiled and said "That's the good thing about having kids. They make you mature fast. Now I realize the important things in life."

Terri smiled and nodded her head. She had to agree with Jack, kids did make you grow up fast. They sat in silence for a few minutes, until finally the band played a slow song. Jack looked at Terri and asked "Can I have this dance?"

Terri smiled and said "Why of course!"

They walked out onto the dance floor and let the music carry them away.

"Here I am" By Billy Currington-
Walks in the rain, talks in the dark
Old black and white movies, a day at the park
On a blanket on the ground on a Sunday afternoon
Hangin' with friends or off by ourselves
Drivin' around yard sale to yard sale
Droppin' by the county fair, winnin' you a bear poppin'
balloons

[Chorus]
If you're lookin' for someone to do that with, here I am
Someone to be the other half of your plans
Don't look any further than in my eyes
It you're lookin' for that man, here I am

December nights all cuddled up
Warmed by the fire and sharin' a cup
Of hot cocoa laughin' at old photos
Spanish guitars, sand and the sea
A quiet little table just you and me
Sippin' margaritas in a little cantina in Old Mexico

[Chorus]
If you're lookin' for someone to do that with, here I am
Someone to be the other half of your plans
Don't look any further than in my eyes
It you're lookin' for that man, here I am

Talkin' 'bout life and talkin' 'bout babies
Talkin' bout us still in love when we're eighty

[Chorus]
If you're lookin' for someone to do that with, here I am
Someone to be the other half of your plans
Don't look any further than in my eyes
It you're lookin' for that man, here I am

Here I am
Baby, here I am

At the end of the song Terri and Jack stood still on the dance floor and looked at each other. Terri smiled and said "Wow!"

Jack nodded and smiled as they walked back to their table. Jack took Terri's hand and asked "Would you do me the honor of having dinner with me on Friday night?"

"How can I refuse and offer like that? I would love to have dinner with you!"

Jack walked her to her car and watched as she drove off into the darkness. He smiled and said "Wow!"

[Moonlight Lady]

Aww...That was cool. Can't wait to read more.

[Number 9 Dream]

Awww, I'm glad they found a little bit of happiness They both deserve after such painful pasts. More soon, I hope

[KissMyGrits]

Jack and Terri started seeing alot of each other after that first night. They were together so much that it prompted a visit from Terri's daughter one Saturday morning.

Terri was cleaning house when Brit walked in. The door opened and in walked her daughter. Terri smiled and said "Hey Brit!"

"Mother.."

"Uh oh. Whenever you call me that I know something is wrong."

"Mother, I want to ask you a question."

"Okay, shoot."

"Well, about this guy you've been seeing."

"You mean Jack?"

"Yes! Don't you think your a little old for dating?"

Terri just stared at her daughter. She couldn't believe that she was having this conversation. She said simply "First of all Jack and I are just friends!"

"Yeah right! Whenever I call home you are never here! You used to always be here after work! Now your always...."

"Brit, I don't think..."

"That's right mother! Your not thinking! I mean, what will your friends say about you dating again?"

"Probably that it's about time. But seriously Brit, we are just old friends! We lived together back before I knew your dad!"

"You lived together?!!"

"As roommates! He had his own room!"

"I'll just bet!"

"You know, you sound just like you Aunt Samantha!!" She laughed at the memory!

"I'm glad you think this is funny!"

"Brit, you know what?"

"What?"

"It's really none of your business who I choose to date! I am saying that Jack and I are just friends! End of story!"

"But..."

"The discussion is closed!"

Brit stormed off. She wasn't done. Not by a long shot. She needed to talk to her brother. If that didn't work she would talk to Jack's daughter. Someone needed to talk some sense into those two!

Unfortunately for Brit the conversation with her brother went no better. He said that he was glad their mom was finally seeing someone.

"But Jamie!"

"What Brit? If it makes mom happy to see him, then why would you not want her to be happy?"

"But..."

"But nothing Brit! She deserves someone that will make her happy. Especially after the way dad..."

Brit held up her hand and said "Don't talk bad about daddy!!"

Jamie rolled his eyes and said "Oh heaven forbid anyone talk bad about our precious father!! Even if the man is a no good..."

"That's enough Jamie! I'm going to talk to the man's daughter. Maybe she will feel the same!"

"Leave it alone Brit! Mom's happy. What could be wrong with that?"

"Everything!! Now if you'll excuse me!"

Brit went to go find Catherine. She wasn't hard to find. She was in the library. Brit sat down and said "Hello!"

"Oh hi! I know you! Your mom is a friend of my dad's!"

Brit smiled and said "So you don't mind them dating!"

Catherine smiled and said "Nope! In fact I think it's pretty cool! Your mom seems nice and well..."

"Well what?"

"My dad is actually happy again! For the first time since my mom died, I've seen him smiling again!"

Brit threw up her hands and said "I give up!! I guess I'll go study for the physics exam!!"

"Oh, your taking that class?"

"Yeah, it's a killer! I am so lost..."

"I can help you study for it... If you want?"

"Sure! That would be great!! What's your name again!?"

"Catherine, but my friends call me Cat."

"Okay Cat! It's nice to have a new friend here!"

"Same with you Brit!"

The girls pulled out their physics books and started studying. Meanwhile Terri and Jack were on another date. She got home late and smiled as she remembered the events of that night....

[Moonlight Lady]

That was really good. I love the scenes with Brit. She needs to give up and let them be happy.

[Mrs. John Ritter]

This is getting really interesting. Keep going your doing a great job.